Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians

Definition

The Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians (CWRIC) was established in 1980 to investigate the U.S. government's decisions during World War II that led to the internment of Japanese Americans. This commission played a crucial role in examining the injustices faced by Japanese Americans and in shaping the redress movement by providing a formal acknowledgment of the wrongs committed, contributing to efforts for reparations and civil rights.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The CWRIC conducted hearings across the United States from 1981 to 1983, gathering testimonies from former internees and experts to document the experiences of Japanese Americans during World War II.
2. In its final report, released in 1983, the CWRIC concluded that the internment was not a military necessity but rather a result of racism and wartime hysteria.
3. The commission's findings played a significant role in mobilizing public support for reparations, ultimately leading to the passage of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988.
4. The CWRIC recommended that the U.S. government formally apologize for the internment and allocate funds for reparations to those affected.
5. The work of the CWRIC marked a significant moment in American history as it contributed to broader discussions about civil rights and government accountability.

Review Questions

• How did the findings of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians influence the redress movement for Japanese Americans?
  • The findings of the CWRIC provided a formal acknowledgment of the injustices faced by Japanese Americans during World War II, stating that their internment was based on racism rather than military necessity. This acknowledgment galvanized support for the redress movement, as it validated the experiences and grievances of former internees. By documenting personal testimonies and making recommendations for reparations, the commission laid the groundwork for subsequent legislative efforts aimed at correcting these historical wrongs.
• Evaluate the impact of the CWRIC's final report on public perception regarding Japanese American internment.
  • The CWRIC's final report had a profound impact on public perception by providing evidence that contradicted long-held beliefs justifying the internment. By clearly stating that racial prejudice and wartime hysteria led to unjust actions against Japanese Americans, it helped shift narratives towards understanding these events as violations of civil liberties. The report sparked nationwide discussions about justice and accountability, leading many to reconsider their views on government actions during wartime and fostering greater empathy towards affected communities.
• Assess how the establishment of the CWRIC marked a turning point in U.S. policy regarding reparations for historical injustices.
  • The establishment of the CWRIC represented a significant turning point in U.S. policy as it recognized the need for accountability regarding historical injustices faced by marginalized groups. Its thorough investigation into Japanese American internment paved the way for reparative measures like those found in the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, which provided direct compensation to survivors. This shift highlighted a growing acknowledgment within U.S. society of the importance of addressing past wrongs through reparative justice, setting precedents for future movements seeking redress for other marginalized communities.

Related terms

Japanese American internment: The forced relocation and incarceration of around 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II, primarily on the West Coast, under the pretext of national security.

Redress movement: A collective effort by Japanese Americans to seek acknowledgment, reparations, and justice for the injustices suffered during internment.

Civil Liberties Act of 1988: A U.S. law that granted reparations to Japanese Americans who were interned during World War II, influenced by the findings of the CWRIC.